Ghanaian Churches Host African Heritage Day

Ghanaian Churches Host African Heritage Day
Story by LaTasha Hewitt

More than 300 recently gathered at Trinity Temple Academy in Newark, N.J., to celebrate the first African Heritage Day. Pastor Amofah Asamoah, cultural coordinator of Allegheny East Conference’s African Ministerium, and volunteers from his two congregations—the New Jersey Ghana church in Hillside, N.J., and the Parlin Mission in Parlin, N.J.—planned the day that celebrated Ghanaian culture.

Pastor Amofah Asamoah and his wife, Elizbeth, enjoy the celebration of Ghanian culture.

Two traditional Ghanaian chiefs taught attendees the common Ashanti kingdom leadership, dress, etiquette and cultural dance practices. “We are immigrants, and although we have assimilated, we want to bring awareness to the culture of Ghana, especially for our children,” says Pastor Asamoah.

The celebration helped raise $10,000 for Hillside’s new church building, but the fundraising continues. The Hillside church is scheduled to move into their new church in May.